Looking for a custom rifle maker - high quality

vancewalker007 said:

For off-the-shelf the 2 you looked ay (Fierce and Seekins) are making great builds, plus I think they both will do custom changes. The Proof Elevation is in the same price range as a custom Seekins or the higher end Fierce rifles, it comes in a 300 Win, and is super light weight.

Proof Research Elevation Rifle

proofresearch.com

- Price example of the Proof

Proof Research 128350 Elevation Rifle For Sale | 843068128350

Shop Hinterland Outfitters for the PROOF RESEARCH Elevation Lightweight Hunter 7mm Rem Mag 24 in Carbon Fiber Black Right Hand. MPN: 128350 | UPC: 843068128350.

www.hinterlandoutfitters.com

Craigs in Tucson has built 9 rifles for my father and I (5 were long range hunting rigs) that all shoot Sub 1/2 MOA. The pict I included is my Wife on the sticks in Africa with my Craigs 6.5 PRC about to drop the hammer on a Kafue Lechwe that was only about 150 yards away. These are total customs so they can run $2.5K to $5K usually, depending on the action, barrel, stock etc.

3 - 7mm LRMs
2 - 6.5 PRCs
2 - 300 WSMs
1 - 22 BR - target
1 - 22-250 - Prairie dogs coyotes etc.

Craigs Custom Rifles | Precision Custom Rifles Builder| Craigs Custom Rifles | CCR

Craig's Custom Rifles (Phone 520.405.3662) Arizona custom rifle builder of precision long range hunting, competition, benchrest, and tactical rifles that come with half MOA guarantee. Based out of Tucson / Oro Valley, Arizona (AZ) we provide top quality service related to riflesmithing...

craigscustomrifles.com

There are tons of great builders around the country, I just know Kyle really well and what kind of work he produces.

3 Year History on my 6.5 PRC
4 Coues Bucks, 340yards to 743yards
18 head of African Antelope 80 yards to 500 yards including a giant Southern Eland at 500 yards.

Check out the info on the page below and listen to the podcast before deciding on your cartridge. There is relevant data there that may be eye opening. These fellas know about and shoot more long range than just about any other company around. There other good podcast they have that break paradigms based on the 1000s of heads of game they have shot at long range over the last 11 or so years.

Podcast: EP 60: Get SAUM - Comparing 7mm Cartridges

www.gunwerks.com

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I now live in Tucson. Just about everyone I know says call Craig's.

vancewalker007 said:

For off-the-shelf the 2 you looked ay (Fierce and Seekins) are making great builds, plus I think they both will do custom changes. The Proof Elevation is in the same price range as a custom Seekins or the higher end Fierce rifles, it comes in a 300 Win, and is super light weight.

Proof Research Elevation Rifle

proofresearch.com

- Price example of the Proof

Proof Research 128350 Elevation Rifle For Sale | 843068128350

Shop Hinterland Outfitters for the PROOF RESEARCH Elevation Lightweight Hunter 7mm Rem Mag 24 in Carbon Fiber Black Right Hand. MPN: 128350 | UPC: 843068128350.

www.hinterlandoutfitters.com

Craigs in Tucson has built 9 rifles for my father and I (5 were long range hunting rigs) that all shoot Sub 1/2 MOA. The pict I included is my Wife on the sticks in Africa with my Craigs 6.5 PRC about to drop the hammer on a Kafue Lechwe that was only about 150 yards away. These are total customs so they can run $2.5K to $5K usually, depending on the action, barrel, stock etc.

3 - 7mm LRMs
2 - 6.5 PRCs
2 - 300 WSMs
1 - 22 BR - target
1 - 22-250 - Prairie dogs coyotes etc.

Craigs Custom Rifles | Precision Custom Rifles Builder| Craigs Custom Rifles | CCR

Craig's Custom Rifles (Phone 520.405.3662) Arizona custom rifle builder of precision long range hunting, competition, benchrest, and tactical rifles that come with half MOA guarantee. Based out of Tucson / Oro Valley, Arizona (AZ) we provide top quality service related to riflesmithing...

craigscustomrifles.com

There are tons of great builders around the country, I just know Kyle really well and what kind of work he produces.

3 Year History on my 6.5 PRC
4 Coues Bucks, 340yards to 743yards
18 head of African Antelope 80 yards to 500 yards including a giant Southern Eland at 500 yards.

Check out the info on the page below and listen to the podcast before deciding on your cartridge. There is relevant data there that may be eye opening. These fellas know about and shoot more long range than just about any other company around. There other good podcast they have that break paradigms based on the 1000s of heads of game they have shot at long range over the last 11 or so years.

Podcast: EP 60: Get SAUM - Comparing 7mm Cartridges

www.gunwerks.com

Click to expand...

^^^^x2 and I live in Tucson and just down the road from Kyle. He does fantastic work and is always approachable to talk to about your builds. He's built 3 rifles for me. 2 currently in the works. I was talking with him yesterday as he's been out hunting with his young son. He will be back in his shop on Monday. Best of luck on who you choose but feel confident in using Kyle Craig of CCR Rifles.

I'll weigh in on this as well with a couple of points.

#1 - I'm personally kind of thrilled to see that there are a considerable number of quality custom builders scattered all around the country. This bodes very well for our sport/lifestyle to know that these guys are out there, and so many quality shooters are overall thrilled with their work.

#2 - based on point no. 1 above, I'd second what @FEENIX related, in that you should be able to find a reputable builder within face-to-face range of your home. Like many members here, I really like to see the shop and get to know the smith that does the work on my rifles.

#3 - This site has a high number of high-end/elite quality builders that always seem to be willing to work within our specialized community to build whatever you have in mind, many of which have already been mentioned in the first few pages here. I'd be inclined to reach out to one of them, like @orkan at TS, for example, as these guys regularly contribute here and are already a part of our community.

#4 - Only because they have not already been mentioned here, I'll throw the "Black Canyon Custom" shop name out for consideration. I believe that - like many others already mentioned - Fritz at Black Canyon Customs is an outstanding rifle builder, has very good/reasonable lead times, and is an all-around great guy to work with. He is also at least "fairly" close to you (in a neighboring state), so it fits the bill of an in-person transaction if you are willing to drive.

#5- 99% of all of the guys mentioned are probably out hunting - or getting ready to - as we speak, so I'd give any of them a little extra grace right now if you are trying to get one of them on the phone or visit their shops.

Good luck with your search and your build. I think we are ALL in a great spot as there are more quality builders available to us than at any point in history. You should end up with an exceptional rifle that is built exactly as you'd like it to be.

Drjones65 said:

For all of you with experience in having custom long range hunting rifles built, who in this country is at the top of their game? High quality, meticulous in detail AND will use a brand new reamer?

I am looking at two new long range hunting rifles: a 300 WM and a 300 PRC.
Composite stock. Bolt action. Tack driver.
NOT looking for a heavy bench rest Gun not an MSR.

I'd consider another Cooper but their wait is wait too long. I need these by next hunting season Oct 2022).
I have looked too at Fierce.
I have looked too at Seekins.

REALLY sour on Browning… quality has died and they are resting on their laurels and their name. John Browning would remove his name from that organization! (This coming from a former member of the Browning Collectors Association and owner of over 20 Browning rifles).

I have talked to several people that have gone the custom route and they all insist that a key piece is using a brand new reamer.

I am not looking for some guy that can throw together a rifle in his garage but someone that prides themselves on their quality and their reputation.

Recommendations???

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With that being said only one fits the bill! https://www.blackcanyoncustoms.com/ talk to Fritz Ahlquist not a better smith around! I used him when he worked at TJ's, Milehigh Shooting Accessories and now has his own shop!

Preece Precisions in Ogden Utah. I have had 2 6.5 prc built and Garrett is currently finishing up a 300 prc for me. He has built many guns for some of the top shooters on the PRS circuit.

WahooYahoo said:

Gunwerks. 3-4 months lead time, quality beyond reproach.
In stock today:

View attachment 304177
You could have the 300 PRC in February I bet.

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We're doing a really good job on supply chain right now, I wouldn't be surprised with build times under two months!

I think more importantly, regarding reamers, we've gone through all of the pain that can possibly be experienced in this area. Just make sure the dimensions cut are on purpose, and with purpose. There is a lot of following in our industry and sometimes things get adopted that are not good ideas.

Tooder Meredith: Meredith Rifles
Athens, Alabama

Chaddrx said:

Preece Precisions in Ogden Utah. I have had 2 6.5 prc built and Garrett is currently finishing up a 300 prc for me. He has built many guns for some of the top shooters on the PRS circuit.

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The guys at STM have recommended Preece to me but I haven't tried him. Glad to hear someone with first hand experience.

Roberts' Precision Rifles…

Really good experience with Mike Johnson. Located in Lewiston, ID
I only have the one custom rifle, 30 Nosler, but I love it. Mike was super to work with and always was prompt on answering my questions and communicating with me.

shortgrass said:

I have no idea who's feeding you the "brand new reamer" crap, but that's what it is,,, crap! Just more interdnet mis-information.. I've been 'driving' chambering reamers for 30+ yrs, the tool is either sharp, or it's not! It depends upon how the tool has been 'driven' much more than whether it's cut 5-10 chambers or more. Using a muzzle flush, many perfect chambers can be cut, provided the 'driver' has a clue. With a reamer that's cut a chamber or 2 (or more) the physical specs are positively known (like free bore and dia., throat, neck dia., body characteristics, etc). In other words, the tool has been physically proven. Over the years the use of a 'new' reamer to do a job has been the request of a potential client. I find a reason not to except their work. I am the only person who has used my reamers, I know when they need to be sharpened and when they don't. Any experienced gunsmith/machinist would know when his tools are dull and when they're not! Only the new-be/inexperienced will try to push it 'one more time'.

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As a machinist for 45 years and cutting chambers for the last 20 of that, I could not have said it better myself. Anyone who tells you that you must use a new reamer is best avoided. The only reamer I have ever had trouble with was a new reamer. As shortgrass stated, a used reamer taken care properly has already proven characteristics/dimensions.

Rifles Inc.

Darrell Holland https://www.hollandguns.com/
I've migrated to building my own rifles. There are many great components to choose from. High precision made barrels and actions. CF stocks that fit like a glove (no inletting needed). A nice choice in triggers. Bottom metal and magazine options to explore. It's a new world. Prefit barrels can rival custom chambering. Shortages have diminished, and I've got the parts for my present build within six months.

Kevin Cram - Montour County Rifles